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Important Updates from the
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
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Vol. 1, No. 6, December 2020
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As the End of the Fall Semester Nears…
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Congratulations! You did it! While the 2020-21 academic year began like no other, you navigated the unique challenges of the fall semester and can now look forward to a well-deserved break!
In-Person, Hybrid or Remote Learning: Your NYS Financial Aid Award Status
Many students returned home for the Thanksgiving holiday and will complete the remainder of the fall term remotely. No matter how you complete your term, you will still receive all of the NYS financial aid you qualify for, provided you continue to meet all your in-school eligibility requirements.
Citizenship Status Verification Update
Until this year, HESC had relied on your college to confirm your citizenship status based on information entered on your FAFSA. This year, you may have received notification from HESC indicating that we needed to verify your status as a US citizen or eligible non-citizen/permanent resident alien. We’ve completed the process for most students and notified colleges of these status updates. You can view your updated status by logging into your HESC Student Account using your HESCPIN username and password.
If you (a) received a NYS financial aid award for the first time in 2020-21, (b) received a notice regarding your citizenship status, and (c) have not yet provided it, please do so immediately so that your NYS award is not adversely impacted.
If you are not a US citizen or eligible non-citizen but graduated from a NYS high school or have a NYS-issued high school equivalency diploma, find out if you are eligible for State financial aid under the NYS DREAM Act.
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All About TAP
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Are you graduating from high school next June? Get ahead of the game for next year by completing your 2021-22 FAFSA and NYS TAP applications now!
You can link directly to the TAP application from the FAFSA so you can get both done in one sitting! Just click on the “start my state aid application” link, which can be found at the end of the FAFSA on the confirmation page.
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Got TAP Questions? We’ve Got the Answers...
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Q: What college costs do my TAP funds cover?
A: TAP funds can be used only toward the cost of tuition. When your college receives your award, they will credit it towards your tuition. If you are a SUNY student, TAP will also cover the cost of your $25 SUNY College Fee per semester. However, TAP funds cannot be used to cover the cost of charges such as books, travel or room and board.
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Q: Do I have to maintain a certain GPA to keep my TAP award?
Yes, to continue to receive TAP you must meet GPA requirements that vary depending on your year in school and your program length (2-year or 4-year). For example, if you are in a 4-year program, you must be on track to having at least a 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) at the end of your 4th semester. You will also need to be enrolled in 12 credits each term and accumulate enough credits towards your degree.
Your college financial aid office can help you determine if you are meeting these requirements. |
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Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Awards
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New Excelsior Scholarship or Enhanced Tuition Award Recipients (ETA) Recipients: Sign Your Contract!
If you received an Excelsior Scholarship or ETA award for the first time this year, you must sign your Award Contract to accept the award and receive payment. You can find your contract in your HESC Student Account.
Your college will be notified of your award after HESC receives your signed contract, so don’t delay and submit your contract ASAP!
Received an Award Last Year? Don’t Forget to Complete Your NYS Student Aid Payment Application
All students who received an Excelsior or ETA award in 2019-20, or earlier, must complete a NYS Student Aid Payment application in order to receive an award payment for the 2020-21 school year.
If you have not already done so, please complete your 2020-21 NYS Student Aid Payment application here.
Make sure your documentation – signed contract for new recipients and NYS Student Aid Payment Application for returning recipients – is up to date. Check your HESC Student Account for any notifications.
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My Student Account Tips and Tools
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Changing Schools for Spring Semester?
If you are changing schools over the mid-year break, make sure your NYS financial aid awards follow you. Update your school code in your HESC Student Account to the school you’ll be attending in the Spring semester. Click the “Update College Information” link, log in and follow the prompts to find and enter your new college code.
If you would like assistance in making this change, you can schedule a one-on-one appointment with a HESC Call Center representative.
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NYS Higher Education Services Corporation
www.hesc.ny.gov
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New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12255 |
